War fears put Tiger out of desert event

Tiger Woods's reputation for being a global golfer may take a new knock after the world No1 pulled out of this week's Dubai Desert Classic.

Woods, who justifiably prides himself on exporting his talent outside the United States, had committed to the defence of the TPC of Europe title at the Gut Kaden course in Hamburg in May.

But it is understood the organisers of the German tournament are now bracing themselves for their champion to withdraw if the expected war in Iraq becomes a prolonged affair.

Although he is thought to be losing an appearance fee of £1.25 million to tee up at the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club on Thursday, Woods decided that his safety is beyond price.

After beating Ryder Cup teammate David Toms 2 and 1 to win the Accenture World Match Play Championship at the La Costa Resort, he said: "For the foreseeable future I felt it would be prudent to avoid international travel."

It is difficult not to empathise with the 27-year-old American, whose nationality and status as the world's most high-profile sportsman makes him an obvious target for terrorists.

But Mohamed Ali Alabbar, organiser of the Dubai event, was upset at losing his star attraction, especially as it would have been the first time this year that Woods and world number two Ernie Els would have gone head-to-head in a strokeplay event.

Alabbar said: "Losing Tiger from this week's line-up will be disappointing to his many fans in this part of the world, but we reluctantly have to respect his decision not to compete. Those who know the United Arab Emirates as a country of peace and harmony will understand that the situation in Dubai is as normal with all of us working towards the goal of making this year's tournament a huge success.